Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premiere residential
    Opera Training School

    Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premier residential
    Opera Training School

    Image

    Our Mission

    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
    0
    years of experience
    +0
    alumni
    +0k
    supporters
    Image
    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
    0
    years of experience
    +0
    alumni
    +0k
    supporters

    Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premiere residential
    Opera Training School

    Our Mission

    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance
    Image
    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance
      2025-2026

      Events

      Opera in the Strand

      May 1, 2025, 6:00 pm

      The Strand Arcade, Auckland

      We are thrilled to be presenting alumni of the NZ Opera School in partnership with Auckland Council to launch NZ Music Month in Auckland with a performance of ‘Opera in the Strand’. Join us on Thursday 1st May 2025 in the historic Strand Arcade for a night of FREE opera! Accompanied by pianist Francis Cowen, you will hear sopranos Olivia...

      Champagne & Opera

      Starting April 11, 2025, 6:30 pm

      Recurring Event Dates

      April: Fri, 11 Apr, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      May: Fri, 2 May, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      May: Fri, 9 May, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      more...

      Bellini Bar, Hilton Auckland

      Join students and alumni from the New Zealand Opera School every Friday evening at the Hilton Auckland’s Bellini Bar for Champagne & Opera experience from 6.30pm to 7.30pm....
      NZOS on

      Social

      • Sunday concert is sold out but great news! SATURDAY 5.30pm has been added as an extra treat so join us at the Auckland Opera Studio for an unforgettable evening of music to say farewell to Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono just before he sets sail overseas. Last tickets left at www..aucklandoperastudio.co.nz #nzos
      • Imagine this: you're strolling through the city, shopping in one of Auckland’s most beautiful arcades… and suddenly, the space fills with glorious live opera. 🎶💫 That’s Opera in the Strand — a free pop-up concert in the heart of Auckland, where some of Aotearoa’s brightest young voices (and proud NZOS alumni!) transform your Thursday evening into something unforgettable. 📍 The Strand Arcade, Auckland 🗓 Thursday 1 May 2025 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🎟️ Absolutely FREE Live opera. Stunning voices. Gorgeous atmosphere. Why wouldn’t you stop and stay awhile? 😉 #OperaInTheStrand #NZOperaSchool #FreeOpera #AucklandEvents #NZMusicMonth #OperaMagic
      • Even after his final year at NZOS, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono remained at the heart of our community — because once you're part of the NZOS whānau, you're always part of it. 💙 In 2022 and 2023, Emmanuel returned as a featured artist in our Winter Gala Concerts, sharing the stage with fellow alumni and bringing unforgettable performances to audiences across Aotearoa. Now, as he prepares to step onto the world’s greatest stages — from Merola Opera Program to The Royal Opera House, London — we’re so proud to have been part of his story. Good luck, Emmanuel!🎶 #NZOperaSchool #OperaWhanau #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #WinterGala #OperaJourney #NZOS
      • 🎶✨ Introducing: Friends of the Opera School ✨🎶 We’re proud to launch our Friends of the Opera School programme - a brand new membership for those who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of opera talent in Aotearoa. With an annual donation of $250, you’ll directly support New Zealand’s premier residential opera training programme and help keep tuition accessible for our talented young singers. Your support enables us to bring world-class tutors to Whanganui each January for two weeks of intensive opera education and performance. 💫 Special Launch Offer: The first 100 supporters to register will receive a limited edition rose: 'NZ Opera School', bred by Bob Matthews of internationally renowned Matthews Roses, Whanganui (RRP $65). 🌹 🎁 As a Friend of the Opera School, you’ll enjoy: – Priority bookings for Whanganui Opera Week events – Invitations to exclusive ‘Friends’ functions – Behind-the-scenes access through our e-newsletter – Advanced notice of our student cohort – Access to recordings of ALL public performances – One complimentary 'Introduce a Friend' ticket (up to $25 value) – And the satisfaction of being part of something truly special Be part of the community shaping the future of opera in Aotearoa. 👉 Become a Friend today: operaschool.org.nz/support/friends-of-the-opera-school #NZOperaSchool #FriendsOfTheOperaSchool #SupportTheArts #OperaAotearoa #Whanganui #OperaTraining #OperaFuture
      • 🌐✨ We’ve had a glow-up! ✨🌐 We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our refreshed website — 📣 www.operaschool.org.nz Bigger, better, and beautifully designed to keep you up to date with everything NZ Opera School — from upcoming events and alumni achievements, to news, performances, and more. 🎭🎶 Whether you're a past student, future applicant, opera lover, or just curious — this is your new go-to hub for all things NZOS. Explore. Discover. Stay connected. 📲 Check it out now: operaschool.org.nz #NZOperaSchool #NewWebsiteLaunch #OperaExcellence #StayConnected #NZOSOnline #AlumniSpotlight #operaaotearoa Thank you David Silvester at @liquidedgecreative for all your hard work!
      • 2022 was a defining moment for Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono — his final year at the New Zealand Opera School and one filled with extraordinary achievements. That summer, he was named a NZ Opera Studio Artist and received two of our highest honours: 🏆 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship 🏆 Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Award It was also the year Emmanuel won the Lockwood New Zealand Aria, became a Lexus Song Quest finalist, and received the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Scholarship for Potential. His artistry was flourishing — and the opera world was starting to take notice. But leaving NZOS didn’t mean leaving the NZOS family. We’ve continued to walk alongside Emmanuel, offering him performance opportunities and support whenever we could. That’s a huge part of what we stand for: nurturing talent beyond the classroom. Now, as he heads to the Royal Opera House and the Merola Opera Program, we know he takes a piece of us with him — and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way. 💙 #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaExcellence #NZOS #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram #FutureStar
      • Rest in Peace Raymond. ✝️ #raymondhawthorne #nzoperaschool #legend
      • ✨ Emmanuel at NZOS: 2021 ✨ A year of growth. A voice of promise. In 2021, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono returned to the New Zealand Opera School once again — and it was clear to all that something special was unfolding. That year, he was awarded the Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential, a recognition of the extraordinary talent, discipline, and heart he brought to every note. Everyone could see it — his potential was undeniable. At NZOS, we’ve believed in Emmanuel from the very beginning, and we’re proud to have supported his journey every step of the way. And we’ll keep cheering him on as he continues to rise. #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaJourney #NZOpera #NZOS #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram
      • In 2020, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono returned to the New Zealand Opera School, continuing to deepen his artistry and become part of the fabric of our NZOS whānau. That year, he worked closely with international opera luminaries Sharolyn Kimmorley and Glenn Winslade, gaining invaluable insight and mentorship. Surrounded by our alumni network and the unique environment of NZOS, Emmanuel was developing not just as a singer — but as a complete artist. It was another vital step in an extraordinary journey — one that now leads him to the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco and the prestigious Jette Parker Artist Programme at The Royal Opera House, London. 🌍✨ #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaJourney #NZOS #OperaLove #NZOpera #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram
      • In 2019, a young Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono walked through the doors of the New Zealand Opera School for the very first time. That year marked the start of a journey that has now led him to some of opera’s biggest international stages. It was a memorable year—culminating in the unforgettable River Opera performance, where Emmanuel stood alongside some of Aotearoa’s brightest talents, including Amina Edris, Pene Pati, Moses Mackay, and Amitai Pati. Looking back, the energy and promise of that class still resonates. Since then, Emmanuel has grown through every return to NZOS—refining his craft with guidance from world-class tutors, seizing every performance opportunity, and stepping into his artistry with heart and purpose. We feel honoured to have been part of his journey from the very beginning and we acknowledge the merits of ProjectPrimaVolta for discovering his talent at a young age. #Throwback #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #NZOperaSchool #RiverOpera2019 #OperaJourney #AlumniSpotlight
      • ‼️BREAKING NEWS ‼️ Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono’s dream comes true 🙋‍♂️ Congratulations from us all Emmanuel. We’re soo proud of you ❤️ Love ❤️ all of us 🙌 #nzos #alumni #nzoperaschool
      • 🎉✨ HUGE NEWS! ✨🎉 Alumnus Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono has been accepted into The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artist Programme in London! 🇬🇧🎭 From over HUNDREDS of applicants worldwide, Emmanuel is one of the very few selected—and the first-ever New Zealander to be invited to audition without having studied overseas. This is historic! But that’s not all—before heading to London, Emmanuel will have completed the prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. We’ve always known Emmanuel was destined for great things—his time at NZ Opera School across 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 showed us a young artist with remarkable talent, drive, and heart. His hard work was recognized with: 🏆 2021 Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential 🏆 2022 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship 🏆 2022 Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Award 🌟We couldn’t be prouder—this is just the beginning! Join us in celebrating Emmanuel’s phenomenal success over the following days! 👏 Bravo, Emmanuel! 👏 #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #JetteParkerArtist #RoyalOperaHouse #MerolaOpera #NZOperaSchool #OperaExcellence #NZOS 📸 NZOS Great Opera Moments Gala 2022
      Latest

      News

      Alumnus Update: Ridge Ponini performs at two events in Auckland

      March 2025 Ridge Ponini had the chance to share his talent at two remarkable events during March, highlighting the performance opportunities we help make available for our singers. Firstly, Ridge performed a song from his Cook Island heritage alongside traditional arias at the ACCOR Franchise Conference held at the Pullman Hotel. The audience was captivated by Ridge’s performance. Ridge’s second...
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      Review: New Zealand Opera School’s Great Opera Moments 2025 at the Royal Whanganui Opera House

      This campground was a stage set for action and these singers made the most of it, completely immersed in telling this complicated story of love, treacherous family members and yearning by those chaps who couldn’t have the girl they loved....
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      Review: New Zealand Opera School cafe concerts

      By Lin Ferguson, 16th January 2025 Whanganui central cafes Momiji and the Brick House were the centre of two musical concerts by New Zealand Opera School students on Wednesday. Both venues were booked out with diners enjoying their meals while being serenaded by burgeoning young opera singers at the top of their game. Instead of the usual buzz of conversation,...
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      Alumni

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      Active Professionals

      Our Mission

      To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
      0
      years of experience
      +0
      alumni
      +0k
      supporters
      Image
      To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
      0
      years of experience
      +0
      alumni
      +0k
      supporters